Alberta’s Breakthrough Year at the CBAs

As I look through some of my past headlines reporting on the results of the Canadian Brewing Awards (CBAs) – you can read some of them here and here – I realize they at times got a bit breathy. Although… Continue Reading →

Yes, There are Breweries in Northern Alberta

As I mentioned recently, on my CBC column I have been doing something of a series on the smaller, rural breweries in Alberta and their impact on the overall beer scene in the province. I started with the rural breweries… Continue Reading →

Central Alberta’s Quiet Contributions to Craft Beer

With my CBC columns recently, I have been trying to catch people up on the growth in Alberta’s beer scene. Before Christmas I did a piece on the quiet growth of breweries in central Alberta. Most people won’t have heard… Continue Reading →

Independent Breweries Pull Out of Calgary’s Barley Belt

The aftermath of the sale of Banded Peak to AB-Inbev, the world’s largest beer corporation, appears to be affecting the “Barley Belt” tourism brand. Onbeer.org has learned that at least five breweries are pulling out of the community partnership because… Continue Reading →

What Does Alley Kat’s Sale Mean for the Industry?

The Alberta beer industry was rocked for the second time in a week the other day when Alley Kat Brewing announced it was being purchased by a pair of St. Albert-based entrepreneurs. Alley Kat is a mainstay of the Alberta… Continue Reading →

Alley Kat Sold to St. Albert Entrepreneurs

Neil and Lavonne Herbst, longtime owners of Alley Kat Brewing in Edmonton, one of Alberta’s oldest and most respected breweries, have announced the sale of the brewery to a pair of St. Albert entrepreneurs. The terms of the deal have… Continue Reading →

A Rather Belated Introduction to Campio

If you are paying attention to the Edmonton beer scene, you already know this, but I was remiss a couple months ago and I feel the need to rectify it. So here is the news: Campio Brewing is open!! Yes,… Continue Reading →

The Mystery of the Banded Peak Buy-Out

It has been just over 36 hours since news broke that Calgary’s Banded Peak Brewing was being purchased by AB-Inbev (ABI), the world’s largest brewing corporation. Details on the deal remain scant (and likely will for a long time). The… Continue Reading →

Low and No Alcohol Beer Grows Up

This is not your father’s near beer. The world of craft beer has recently been turning its attention to how to make zero or low alcohol beer actually taste good. And it might be working, sorta. For years those not… Continue Reading →

“This Beer Sucks”: The Complications of Negative Reviews

There was some idle discussion on social media over the holiday break about the state of Alberta beer writing. More specifically there was some suggestion that area beer writers are reluctant to write negative reviews. I am not sure the… Continue Reading →

« Older posts

YEG Hidden Gems Beer Pairing Dinner

November 7. The craft beer scene in Edmonton has been exploding in recent years with many new breweries and interesting beer being created. Come try a few of the city’s hidden beer gems, curated by beer writer and educator Jason Foster. Each beer will be paired with a dish specifically designed for the beer by Underground’s executive chef. It will be an evening of exploration, education and enjoyment!

Book an Event

Looking for a new and original fundraising idea for your organization? Want to offer something a little different to your clients?